Chapter 176: Following Isolde’s Plan

Vance’s voice broke, leaving him speechless. Clark continued, “When I arrived, the fire had spread too far. Grandmother was crying hysterically, saying Braden was still inside. We tried to reach him, but the bedroom flames were too intense. We heard someone calling for help at first, but the cries eventually stopped.”

Clark’s eyes were red, his clothes torn. Despite his past hatred for Braden, witnessing his death while saving his grandmother deeply moved and saddened him.

Once the authorities finished questioning the servants, only the sounds of crying and mourning remained. Prudence regained consciousness, murmuring, “If I must be taken, then take my life… I’m already near death, but Braden—he’s still young. He hasn’t even married yet…?”

With surprising strength, she staggered to her feet, her face contorted with grief. She slammed her body against a nearby wall. “Why should I live on? I’m better off dead, so he’s not left alone in the afterlife…”

Nicole, terrified, rushed to catch her, pulling her to the floor, crying, “Grandmother, please! Don’t do this!”

The others urged her to calm down, but Prudence couldn’t stop crying, several times nearly fainting from the emotional strain.

The fire brigade investigated, finding no signs of foul play. It appeared to have started when a window was left open, and the wind blew over a Seven-Star Lantern that had fallen to the floor. A gift from Priscilla to Prudence, suggested by Xavier, the lantern overturned and ignited the room's drapes. The fire went unnoticed until it was uncontainable due to the late hour and everyone being asleep.

With no suspicion surrounding the fire's cause, the authorities turned their attention to Braden’s death. Since he had been a prisoner released on Pablo’s guarantee, Pablo needed to be notified. A guarantor was held responsible for a guaranteed prisoner’s death, even accidental ones. The Marquis Eldermere’s estate would have to answer to the High Magistracy of Argentum, who would in turn report to the Ministry of Justice.

Pablo, incredibly busy that night, had visited the Sharp family before rushing to the Duke’s estate. Upon learning the details, his face paled. “I’ll go to the authorities and explain. I’ll also write a statement to the Ministry of Justice.” He swept his sleeve and left without a glance at Geoffrey.

Once arrangements were made, Clark asked Geoffrey, “Father, where is Isolde?” Geoffrey gave him an odd look but only turned on his heel and walked away.

It wasn’t until the next day that Isolde’s accident became known. News spread across Argentum that the County Princess of Cromwell had fallen from Wamond Vale. Garrett and the Valen family sent search parties, and Carigyal Town was in an uproar. A million-coin reward was offered for finding the County Princess, alive or dead.

Clark only learned the truth from Collin. “You’re not serious,” Clark said, his bloodshot eyes glaring at Collin. “If you don’t believe me, ask Geoffrey,” Collin replied coldly before leaving.

He didn’t go to the Duke’s estate, instead going directly to the Sharp family with a stack of contracts, hoping to see Natasha.

Though unwell, Natasha agreed to see him upon hearing it concerned Isolde. “Natasha, this is what Isolde asked me to buy. It’s all her mother’s dowry. Prudence sold it, and Isolde had me buy it back…” He lowered his voice, adding a few hushed words.

Natasha touched the contracts, her face icy. “When did the Sharp family’s business become the Langley family’s to sell? Isolde did well.” Her tone deepened. “Bring me my clothes. I’m going to see Prudence.”

Garrett rushed in, concerned. “Where are you going? You can’t go. I’ll go instead.”

But Natasha’s weakness vanished, and she sat up with authority. “You can’t go. This is a confrontation between women. It wouldn’t be right for you to be there. You’re impulsive. If you go and start smashing things at the Langley family, even with the moral high ground, we’ll lose it.”

Garrett’s eyebrows rose. “Smash things? If you weren’t sick, I would have already gone and smashed everything.”

Collin interjected, “Garrett, if you have extra hands looking for Isolde, send them south. You might catch up to Braden.”

Garrett paused, confused. “Who is Braden?”

“Braden is the one who died in the fire at the Duke’s estate. Vance’s son.”

“Isn’t he dead?” Garrett asked.

Collin gave a cold laugh. “No. Isolde saw through Braden. She predicted he would escape the moment he was released. Three years in prison would break anyone. Prudence and Priscilla couldn’t bear to see him suffer, so they must have helped him escape to Caelmont. Prudence has a network of contacts there; it wouldn’t be hard for her to give him a new identity.”

“Isolde said that?” Garrett was stunned. He hadn’t realized how insightful Isolde was.

“Exactly,” Collin confirmed. “And as for Prunella’s death—Isolde also has her suspicions. She had Marley, who had served Prunella, brought back. But Marley has gone mad. Sadie’s been treating him. If Marley recovers, he might be able to reveal the truth about what happened all those years ago.”

Natasha’s eyes flared with rage. “Are you saying Prunella was murdered?”

“That’s Isolde’s theory, and she’s likely confident in it,” Collin said.

Garrett slammed his fist on the table, breaking the chair. He shouted, “Who does she suspect? Is it Prudence or Matilda?”

“Prudence,” Collin replied flatly.

Natasha slowly stood, her gaze turning cold. She snapped at Garrett, “Calm down.”

“How can I calm down? That poisonous woman! I’ll skin her alive!” Garrett shouted.

A cold gleam flashed in Natasha’s eyes. “Not yet. Not yet. Not yet.” She repeated “not yet” three times, and as the fire in her eyes faded, she sat down, her posture calmer.

“We’ll follow Snowy’s plan and move carefully. This child… she’s both brave and clever. She’s like her mother, but far more perceptive.”

After a pause, Natasha asked Collin, “Do you know the people who bought the other shops and estates?”

“I know some, but not all,” Collin replied.

“Contact as many as you can. Tell them these contracts are invalid. They’ve been deceived. This property belongs to the Sharp family, and Prudence had no right to sell it. They should go to the authorities and file complaints.” Natasha spoke with quiet determination.

Collin smiled slightly. “In that case, Prudence will definitely come to you for a transfer deed. You’re waiting for her to come to you.”

Natasha’s eyes gleamed with cold calculation. “If I’m not mistaken, she’ll send Geoffrey first.”